Human Resource Management / Human Resource Management (2yr) - MSc

HRM in its Business Context (20 credits)

The aims of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the internal and external environmental contexts of contemporary organisations, including the managerial and business context, within which managers, HR professionals and workers interact and make decisions in conditions of change and uncertainty. It will also look at current HR practices and how they shape the present HR agenda and the moral and ethical dilemmas of which managers, HR professionals and workers must be aware and with which they need to be prepared to resolve together with the implications of this for professional practice.

People Resourcing and Talent Management (20 credits)

At a strategic level people resourcing allows you to explore the links between the external business context and the development of corporate and HR strategy, and how high level strategy decisions influence choices about the way in which people are employed and rewarded for their contributions. You will develop your knowledge, critical and practical understanding of the methods which an organisation’s managers use to implement these strategic choices and mobilise the workforce including HR planning, recruitment and selection, performance management, reward and release.

Learning and Talent Development (20 credits)

This module explores the related aspects of learning and development – firstly as a driver of economic, social and cultural change at governmental, organisational and individual level and secondly as an enabler of these changes. The module examines critically the meanings of ‘talent’ in the context of organisational effectiveness; learning and development policies and strategy. It also explores the extent to which learning and development professionals can influence the organisations they work within, having regard to ethical and professional standards of competence.

Performance Management (20 credits)

In this module you will develop an understanding of the strategic nature of performance management and its contribution to high performance working and organisational performance. You will critically examine the theoretical concepts which inform performance management and the extent of any gap between theory and practice through an examination of the issues that can arise in its application. You will learn to evaluate the different approaches to managing performance management, their effectiveness in different work place contexts and the impact of the business environment.

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of employment relations perspectives and debates, both national and international, from a theoretical and behavioural competency perspective. Notions of participation, involvement, commitment and engagement will be explored for their utility in enhancing employer/employee relations. Upon completion of this module you will also have had an opportunity to appreciate and evaluate an interdisciplinary perspective as a way of beginning to understand the employment relationship.

HRM in an International Environment (20 credits)

This module is designed to equip the students with knowledge, experience and skills that are required for working in an international organisation. They will be likely working either in a specialist or generalist HRM profession, in an international business environment, irrespective of geographical location.

Consultancy Experience Project (40 credits)

Working as part of a team, you'll undertake focused research, developing your professional skills, managing a complex project and delivering results in a real business situation. You'll present your findings to the client and learn valuable project management tools and concepts.

Business Research Project (40 credits on the 2 year placement route only)

This project is a more traditional piece of independent research, creating an academic research paper, presentation and methodological reflection. Because we believe experiential learning is so important, this project is only available to students with significant prior work experience or a desire to progress to a PhD.

For more information about semester three options please visit our Experiential Projects page.

Throughout the year you will also study the following module which will help you understand how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development (PPD).

Business Research and Professional Skills (10 credits)

The aims of this module are to enable you to develop specific skills that are pivotal to successful management practice and effective leadership. By providing opportunities to put theory into practice, this module encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills, will develop your team working and interpersonal skills, give you the opportunity to enhance your IT proficiency, and interpret financial information and financial resources. By harnessing these skills, the module will enable you to improve your credibility at work